Great Escape to Poznan
Shortly after Imperial Germany's defeat in World War I the Great Poland Uprising (1918-1919) liberated the city and most of Greater Poland. The uprising lead to the creation of the Second Polish Republic, in which Poznań became the capital of Poznan Province. During World War II Poland suffered under Nazi occupation and the Polish population was severely repressed. In 1945, the city was declared a Festung (a fortified locale in which German forces were expected to conduct a last-ditch defense) by order of Hitler. As Poznań lay on the direct route from Warsaw to Berlin, the Red Army first besieged and then ausalted the German defenses, culminating in the assault on the Cytadela (citadelle) and resulting in serious damage to the city. Since the war's end, Poznań has been the capital of the surrounding area through administrative district boundary changes in 1957, 1975, and 1999; Poznań currently administrates Greater Poland Province one of 16 provinces in the country.
Our three day tour uses the beautiful and vibrant town of Poznan as it's base. This undiscovered tourist town was a strategic garrison on the main axis of the Red Army advance frm Warsaw to Berlin and saw heavy fighting between the two armies of Germany and Russia in WWII. Using our network of local historians, journalists and residents you will have an opportunity to discuss local views regarding Poznan.
Our three day itiniery is as follows:
Day 1
I will Meet and Greet you at the Stary Rynek (town square) where I will outline what you will experience during our tour over the next three days. A fully qualified local historian will be accompanying us when necessary and all transport will be in a comfortable mini-bus or taxi to suit your every need. We will then proceed to Fort VII located on the outskirts of the city. This is a very harrowing experience and we will pay our respects to the Polish people who were held captive here and murdered by their Nazi persecutors. Above the entrance the original SS Runes are still clearly visible. As well as free entry to the museums, we have personal access to all areas of the Fort which is closed to the public.
Day 2
Today is the Battle of Poznan day and we will spend all our time in Poznan and at the Citadella following the step of the advancing Red Army. You will receive background information of the struggles on the Eastern Front and learn about the significance of what Hitler proclaimed to be 'Fortress Poznan'. Our day will include:
A visit the 'Swimming Baths' part of town and hear the history of the Jewish population of Poznan prior to and during WWII. We will explain how the Gauliter of Pozan (Arthur Greiser) ruled the city and how under the mentorship of Heinrich Himmler he used his power for repression of the Polish people.
A visit to Citadella Park and the battle for this imporatant stronghold that at times resembled medieval warfare. Free entry to the museum will be included with an opportunity to see heavy armour and small arms used in the conflict. During this time we will discuss the conflict for the city.
We will have lunch in an excellent restaurant located in the Park.
Before leaving Citadella Park we will pay our respects to the 50 Great Escape victims who were murdered by the German Gestapo and whose ashes are interred in the Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery.
If we have time before stopping off for lunch we will visit parts of the city and display authentic 'Then and Now' views of the battle for Poznan.
Day 3
You will be collected from the town square and we will make our way to Zagan to spend day at Stalagluft III. This where the Great Escape took place from and unlike other tour companies, we will not rush your visit to this fascinating location. We will discuss what life was like here for a prisoner of war here during the camps existence and explore the tunnel 'Harry' immortalised forever by the Hollywood movie of the same name. Our trip back to Poznan is approximately three hours and if there is time we will stop and explore the remains of a secret arnaments factory used during WWII and hidden in the woods. With the aid of our local tour guide he will lead you to this site which is unknown to most visitors to the area.
We will be back in Poznan city leaving you with a free evening before making your way home the following day.
For those willing to stay longer we have prepared an excellent day's itinerary for Day 4 as an optional extra.
Day 4 (optional extra)
This exciting day starts when we collect you from the town square and transport you to Hitler's Ost (East) Wall fortifications. During our time exploring this vast complex of bunkers and forts you will have the opportinity to see nestled deep in forests and off the beaten tracks, original 'Dragon's Teeth, a fortified swing bridge and go underneath the ground and witness how these vast bunkers were supposed to defend Hitler's Third Reich against the Red Army advancing from the East.
As a great historian once said, "if you really want to get that clarity of understanding, you have to go stand there". That's what we do! We walk the ground and to make this as comfortable an adventure as possible we would suggest stout, comfortable footwear and waterproof clothing is worn. Although Polish summers can be extremely hot we would rather you come prepared for all eventualities.